Gram-negative, aerobic, enteric pathogens among intestinal microflora of wild turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in west central Texas.

Flight Feather Molt of Turkey Vultures

—We document the molt sequence of flight feathers in Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) based on studies of captive and wild birds, and examination of museum specimens. We found an unusual pattern of primary replacement, which appears to be a modified form of Staffelmauser, or stepwise wing molt. A Staffelmauser-like strategy for replacement of the secondaries is also described. These patterns of...

Experimental lead poisoning in turkey vultures (Cathartes aura).

Lead-induced mortality appears to have been a major factor in the decline of the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). We orally dosed turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) with BB-sized lead shot from January 1988 through July 1988 to determine physiologic response (delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase inhibition, erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels, anemia), diagnostic tissue lead concentrat...

Effects of habitat and time of day on flock size of Turkey Vultures in Cuba (Cathartes aura)

In agricultural landscapes, the Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura feeds mainly on carcases of domestic animals. In spring 2017, data on 214 flocks of Turkey vultures were collected in a road survey in Cuba (in total 2384 km). Turkey Vultures were found to be common accross Cuba, but flock size varied between habitats, reaching a maximum of 43 in valleys and 31 in agricultural landscapes with domest...

Comparison of eye morphology and retinal topography in two species of New World vultures (Aves: Cathartidae).

Vultures are highly reliant on their sensory systems for the rapid detection and localization of carrion before other scavengers can exploit the resource. In this study, we compared eye morphology and retinal topography in two species of New World vultures (Cathartidae), turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), with a highly developed olfactory sense, and black vultures (Coragyps atratus), with a less...

Collisions of Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura), and Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) with Aircraft: Implications for Bird Strike Reduction